Research ProjectsI have two main areas of research: 1) ecology and 2) biology education.

EcologyThe primary focus of my ecological research is the interaction between species, particularly in disturbed and constructed habitats. Here is a sample of past and current projects.

Biotic interactions during primary succession: How do interactions between species influence the trajectory of a developing ecological community? (Mount St. Helens, WA)

Community impacts of invasive species: How do invasive plant species interact with each other and their native insect pollinators? (Pennsylvania)

Dynamics of mutualistic communities: How does the network of interactions between species affect the development and stability of a regenerating tropical forest community? (Puerto Rico)

Parasitic mistletoes and their hosts: What are the host trees of mistletoe? How does mistletoe spread between hosts? How does mistletoe infect a tree? (Clinton, SC)

Getting undergraduate students involved in research has been a crucial element of my research program throughout my career. Since 2012, many PC students have worked with me on the mistletoe project: Carla Burgess, Arkeia Drummond, Cat Ellis, Whitney Exum, Allyson Hollis, Will Irick, Danielle Jolly, Karen Magsino, Billy Joe Mullinax, Cyntia Pedro, Caitlin Sanders, Katlyn Sepsey, Toivo Thomas, Helen Tran, Matthew Treaster, Susannah Vickers, Cassie Walker, and Eric Washington. Arkeia, Cat, Katlyn, and Toivo went on to conduct independent research projects. Katlyn is now continuing her work as a PC Summer Fellow.

I also mentored the honors research of Theresa Freeman (’14, Biology), who studied the allelopathic effects of the invasive species kudzu on the early life stages of native plant species.

Biology EducationBeing involved in the scholarly aspects of teaching helps me to prepare students more effectively for our changing knowledge economy. Together with Dr. Tarren Shaw (University of Oklahoma), I obtained a National Science Foundation Transforming Undergraduate Education in Science (TUES) grant to implement an inquiry-based introductory biology course here at PC (Biological Concepts – BIOL 105). This effort includes the development of curricular materials, the training of undergraduate Peer Mentors and faculty instructors, and the evaluation of our teaching methods on student learning and attitudes.